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Marine 'Moms', offspring under the microscope

Life as a newborn marine organism can have its ups and downs. For some, it’s a quick fall to the bottom rung of the food chain. For others, it may mean an extended larval period as free-living plankton and in a form that can be fantastic and sometimes beautiful. Is it merely a toss up?

Find out what goes for newborns in the microscopic world of the sea, as UW Friday Harbor Labs and San Juan Nature Institute join forces in presenting: “Marine Mothers and their offspring,” May 12, at the Labs’ lecture theater, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

And just in time for Mother’s Day, too.

The Labs’ Dr. Richard Strathman will lead the presentation, assisted by naturalist Noreene Ignelzi of the Nature Institute, which features a brief orientation in the classroom, followed by a sack lunch on the lawn and a field trip to the docks to collect samples to be used later under the microscope and then projected onto the screen.

The class requires a minimum of eight participants; fee is $50. Register online at www.sjnature.org, or call 378-3646.

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